Rensselaer Standard, Volume 1, Number 8, Rensselaer, Jasper County, 9 August 1879 — A Fatal Snake Bite. [ARTICLE]

A Fatal Snake Bite.

An account of -a fatal snake bite in Harrisou county, Indiana, is given by the New Albany Ledger-Standard as follows: Monday afternoon, William Highflll, who was running a steam threshing machine, stopped it on account of getting ahead of those assisting, anu went to the stable loft to help stow away straw, as he wished to complete the work as soon as possible. Owing to the fact of his be binding his instep, he cut a slit in the boot at the place. As soon as he reached the loft he felt a stinging sensation on his instep* and upon looking around he saw the tail of a large snake making Its way through the logs of the building. He at once reported to those near that he had been snake-bitten, but thought lightly of it aud went on to work. Within half an hour after being bitten, he became deathly . sick, and was obliged to quit work. Within an hour after the accident a stripe appeared upon the side of his leg, up the side of

the body into the arm, and extended even to the tips of the fingers. The stripe swelled rapidly, and became as spotted as a leopard. His leg, side and arm became stiff sore and intensely painful, aud soon the afflicted man became unconscious and as crazy as a loon. Borne one suggested that he.be given whisky, but not a drop oould be found in the whole neighborhood. As soon as possible Mr. H. was removed to Elizabeth, and Dr. Funk was called in to administer to his needs. All that could*be done was to infect morphine Into his limbs and body, out it appeared to do no good. The pain became worse every moment, until the poor m&n was in the utmost agony. He raved and fought, frothed at the mouth, and was almost unmanageable by several strongmen. At midnight last night no relief had been given, and all efforts to ease the terrible agony seemed futile. Mr. H. is a young man about 26, is married and is much respected.